THE INTERNS

Of the main outcomes that the Black World History Museum expected from Millenial Visions was, as Executive Director Conley reported, the success of "interns who will have gained exposure to another career field as they realize how academics and hobbies may be applied to cultural preservation." After the completion of the grant term, museum staff members were able to evaluate the results of their intern project based upon the interns' individual success and the feedback they gave to museum staff during exit interviews. In all, museum staff found that the interns' increased commitment and knowledge base to be one of the most lasting outcomes of the project. As Ms. Conley reported, "when [the interns] became serious about a task, they concentrated and produced very fine results. They were willing to learn and [were] curious about many areas related to museology [and] family history." One student, in his exit interview with Ms. Conley, stated that he "like[d] doing historical research." As Executive Director Conley stated, one cannot necessarily quantify these outcomes; however, results such as these underscore the importance of the museum's mission and highlight the success of the intern program. If the internship continues to teach the students to apply skills that they have learned in school to the practice of mounting exhibits and conducting research, then Ms. Conley considers that aspect of the museum's programming not only successful, but indispensable.

In addition, even after the formal intern program had ended and the grant term expired, the museum continues to see lasting involvement in the museum from the interns. Ms. Conley reported that "the three interns who saw the projects to completion continue to come to the museum on Saturdays." These interns have great potential in the construction of the museum's "internal capacity." Having become, essentially, trained volunteers, these interns can help the museum grow, expand its programs, and strengthen its docent-led tours. In addition, the three interns who stayed on have already aided in the creation of the next round of interns. By spreading the word to friends and classmates, children in the community have an increased awareness of the museum's programs and have since expressed their desire to participate in future intern programs.